Sunday, January 29, 2012

Here we are already at the end of January. But there is still time to do a little something special for that certain someone or to make an embellishment to add to your Valentine decor. To make this special large tag you will need a tag that measures 3 1/4" X 5". I used a cream colored one but you could use white also.

For starters you will want to "age" it a bit. I used Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink and just applied it with a sponge applicator. Works really well and by using the applicator it gives you control over how much and where you age your tag.

The next step is the really fun part! If you have some old postcards ( I mean really old...the one I used is from 1919 ) or even some old valentine cards laying around...check them out. You probably won't want to use the whole card but parts of several that might look good together. If you don't have any check out some antique shops. They always have old postcards, especially from all the different holidays. They can be anywhere from .10 cents up to maybe a dollar depending on how rare they are. Mine I did find in an antique shop. If you find that you really love them and don't want to cut them apart...just make copies on some heavy paper ( like card stock ). That way you can cut them up anyway you like and still keep the original.Now you can play with how you want to arrange it on your tag. Mix it up as much as possible. You might even leave some hanging out over the edge a bit. I attached everything with a tape runner that I use for scrapbooking except the button ( which is a real pearl button ). I attached the button with floss. Remember to leave some room for a message! Then embellish with what ever you have laying around. Maybe some small old buttons or scraps of lace or ribbon. Put a ribbon or several ribbons of different colors and widths thru the hole at the top. And you are finished!

This can be used as a decoration...just tie it on one of your kitchen cabinets, set it in a bowl, attach it to a picture frame...lots of different uses. But if you decide to give some as valentine gifts it is really nice to write a little message on the back to that person.

Then just add it to a bottle of wine, a picture frame, a book, or some flowers. It just adds a personal touch to that gift andmakes that person feel loved because you took the time to do something special for them. Have fun coming up with your own ideas!! Happy Valentine's Day!!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

You are looking at one of my New Year resolutions, starting a blog. This is a completely new venture for me but one I have been thinking about for quite some time. They look like so much fun. My goal is to make it varied and have interesting topics on anything from a favorite recipe to home decor and a sounding board for my Etsy Shop. So...here we go!

For starters, here is a link to my Etsy Shop. In the future I hope to be featuring some of my favorite Etsy artisans and their shops.